Imagine a side dish that transforms the humble sweet potato into a culinary masterpiece that dances between sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible. These Spicy Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are not just a recipe; they're a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your dinner table. Vegan, gluten-free, and packed with mouthwatering complexity, this dish proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and exciting!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your sweet potatoes roast evenly and develop a nice caramelization.
- While the oven is heating, prepare the sweet potatoes. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. This ensures they cook uniformly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and salt. Use a spatula or your hands to toss the sweet potatoes until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Spread the coated sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. This helps them roast rather than steam.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for 25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, about 12-13 minutes in, remove the baking sheet and give the sweet potatoes a good stir to ensure they brown evenly.
- After 25 minutes, check the sweet potatoes for doneness. They should be tender when pierced with a fork and have a nice golden-brown color. If they need more time, continue roasting for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
- Once done, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle.
- Serve the spicy maple roasted sweet potatoes warm, either as a side dish or as part of a larger meal. Enjoy the combination of sweet and spicy flavors!
Tips
- • Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin for the best roasting results. • Cut potato cubes as evenly as possible to ensure uniform cooking and caramelization. • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give your sweet potato cubes breathing room to achieve that perfect crispy exterior. • Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice tolerance - start with less and add more if you like heat. • For extra caramelization, consider broiling for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking. • These sweet potatoes are versatile - they make a great side dish, salad topper, or even a standalone snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 419kcal
Carbohydrates: 85g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
